Mike Kelly

December 2016 – Round Up

Signalling and Telecoms – I want to pay tribute to the S&T team who stepped in at short notice to repair signalling damaged by a contractor’s failing machine. It is believed the switch lock body was run over by the flail. This is supported by the fact that a flat pulley wheel on the wire run to signal 17 was also run over, this was so badly damaged and had to be replaced.

The damaged caused, resulted in the cancellation first Shopper Special service to Rawtenstall whilst the school Santa train was run between Bury and Heywood (2) trips to ensure everyone got the full Santa experience. Thankfully the repairs were carried out quickly and ensured the disruption was kept to a minimum.

Made in Bury Awards – The ELR were again successful in winning the Leisure and Tourism award for the fourth year in a row.

We were also shortlisted but not successful in the Food and Drink category for our Diner Services.

HRA Awards – The ELR were shortlisted for the construction of the canopy on platform 2. The canopy was rescued from the old station at Oldham Mumps, which was being demolished to make way for the new Metrolink line.

Whilst we didn’t win, we won Highly Commended, which we are proud to receive as this a tribute to all our working volunteers who worked on the project.

Santa Specials

A year to be Proud of! – We end the year on a high and a year for us all to remember, part of which included two visits from the Flying Scotsman, some of which has been recorded for posterity.

December is traditionally the busiest month of the year with our Santa Specials and I made my debut as an Elf. Over 34,000 travelled to see Santa, 1,744 miles covered and 844 miles on the shuttle to Heywood. It takes an enormous effort by all our working volunteers and staff to ensure all our visitors enjoy this very special experience. Thanks to all concerned.

Engagement – This is my final blog of 2016 from my conservatory, where I do most of my writing work as your Chairman. I have been honoured to be the Chairman of the ELR and enjoyed my first year meeting so many of our great volunteers and staff.

The stats say this is post No.52. There have been 46,000 views and over 16,000 visits to the site. If you also follow me on Twitter there have been over 330 postings. I hope the people who visited the web site and my Twitter feed @elrchairman over the past year felt informed and briefed on the great and unselfish work that goes on every day right across the ELR.

As we reach the end of another successful the year, I wish to sincerely thank all our working volunteers and staff for giving us and delivering such fantastic loyalty and quality of service, ensuring 2016 is the most special and recording breaking year in ELR’s history.

I wish all our volunteers and staff and your families a peaceful and restful Christmas and a Happy New Year